See, I Told You We Were Eating Too Much Pasta!!

What does Dave Strouse, Floyd Landis and Bronco's QB Jay Cutler have in common? We all inject HORMONES!!

Wait a minute, Floyd had a different reason.

Annual trip to endocrinologist Dr. Higgins in Boulder confirms that I have been mis-behav'n, am over weight, have a higher than 7% A1C, elevated cholesterol and don't keep track of my blood glucose levels like I should. The treatment now goes to the next level of pre-meal injections.

Motivation for racing and exercising comes from the fact that "Sarge" has been a Type 2 diabetic since 1991. I don't play on that fact or seek pity but instead join the millions of folks world wide including Jay Cutler, who lives daily with a lazy pancreas.

I'm lucky-Type 2 diabetes means I do produce some insulin- necessary for converting sugar to energy. Previous management consisted of 2 oral medications and 1 long acting insulin injection at night.

Jay's pancreas has shut down all together (Type 1) meaning all of his insulin must be provided by injections.

The handy Humalog pens will accompany both of us to insure we are able to keep a balanced carbohydrate intake and circulating insulin level. It's a complicated chemistry equation you can learn more about at: http://www.diabetes.org/ and http://www.diabetes-excercise.org/ .

While most folks with diabetes are overweight and lead a sedimentary lifestyle, I was atypical and first diagnosed after a sudden weight loss, typical frequent urination, constant thirst and fatigue. Family history of diabetes included only one paternal aunt that developed Type 1 in her 50's.

During extended XC racing, I consciously take on Powerbar gel packs every 45 minutes. The stream of carbs at these intervals insures that the insulin I injected and the daily oral medications I take don't do their job too well and cause a "bonk" serious enough to prevent "vital functions" to proceed.

Sheri Colberg's "The Diabetic Athlete" has provided tons of useful training information and guided me through the complicated process of balancing diet, medication and extreme exercise. What I have learned is exercise is 75% of the equation. I love a challenge!

If you're looking for a fun group ride, join me August 23 at the Boulder County fairground for the 2008 Tour de Cure fundraiser benefiting diabetes research. For more info visit: http://tour.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TC_homepage

As for Floyd, I don't understand what his problem is.